Sweet Potato Viazi Karai is a modern, wholesome take on one of Kenya’s most beloved coastal snacks. By swapping out the regular white potatoes for sweet potatoes, this recipe delivers a unique combination of natural sweetness and crispy, spiced coating. Originating from the Swahili coast, viazi karai is known for its satisfying crunch and vibrant flavor, and this version is no different. Fried to golden perfection in a seasoned gram flour batter, these sweet potato bites are perfect for dipping in tangy tamarind or coconut chutney. Great as a tea-time snack, party appetizer, or light meal, this dish adds a colorful, nutritious upgrade to your snack menu.
Discover a flavorful twist on a Swahili coastal favorite with this Sweet Potato Viazi Karai recipe. A delicious spin on traditional viazi karai, this version swaps regular potatoes for sweet potatoes, adding natural sweetness and extra nutrition to the crispy, golden-fried street food snack. Sliced sweet potatoes are boiled until tender, coated in a spiced gram flour (besan) batter with hints of turmeric, garlic, and chili, then deep-fried to crunchy perfection.
This dish is beloved along Kenya’s coast and is often served with tangy coconut chutney or tamarind sauce for a bold flavor contrast. Whether you're making it as a snack, appetizer, or part of a festive meal, Sweet Potato Viazi Karai brings warmth, spice, and crunch to every bite. Perfect for vegetarians, street food lovers, or anyone seeking a quick, budget-friendly Kenyan treat. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy a taste of the coast at home!
3 Medium Sweet Potatoes Boiled
1-2 Cups Gram Flour
1 Tablespoon Turmeric
Pinch Salt
1/2 Bunch Cilantro
METHOD
Add gram flour to medium bowl, add cilantro and mix well
Add turmeric powder
Pour water into the gram flour mixture
Mix with spoon to combine all
The consistency should not be too thick or thin, add more water if too thick or a handful gram flour if too thin
The batter should be of pour able but thick consistency
Chop sweet potatoes and add to the gram flour mixture coating completely
Heat oil in deep bottomed pan, add the coated sweet potato in the oil one at a time to prevent sticking to each other during cooking
Let the sweet potatoes cook until they rise to the top om medium high heat
Turn occasionally giving each side the chance to fry up
You only want the sweet potato viazi karai to brown until golden brown since the sweet potatoes are already cooked
Remove with slotted spoon and drain off excess oil on kitchen towel lined plate
Repeat until all the batches are done. Garnish with cilantro before serving with tea or just as a snack
The perfect balance of crunch, softness, sweet and savoury
SWEET POTATO VIAZI KARAI
Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe
Prep time: 15 Minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 Minutes
Yield: 2 Servings
Ingredients
- 3 Sweet Potatoes
- 2 Cups Gram Flour
- 1 Tablespoon Turmeric
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Bunch Cilantro
- Add gram flour to medium bowl, add cilantro and mix well, add turmeric powder
- Pour water into the gram flour mixture, mix until well combined. The consistency should not be too thick or thin, add more water if too thick or a handful gram flour if too thin
- Chop sweet potatoes and add to the gram flour mixture coating completely
- Heat oil in deep bottomed pan, add the coated sweet potato in the oil one at a time to prevent sticking to each other during cooking
- Let the sweet potatoes cook until they rise to the top om medium high heat. Turn occasionally giving each side the chance to fry up
- Remove with slotted spoon and drain off excess oil on kitchen towel lined plate
- Repeat until all the batches are done. Garnish with cilantro before serving with tea or just as a snack
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